PDMA declares flood-ravaged Punjab areas as disaster zones

Lahore (Web Desk): The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) (PDMA) Punjab has released an official notification declaring the flood-stricken districts of the province as disaster-affected areas.

According to the issued notification, a total of 72 tehsils in 27 districts have been identified as disaster-hit based on the extent of flood damage. Villages where over half of the area has been impacted by the floods have been categorized as disaster-affected.

The announcement, made jointly by the PDMA and the Punjab Board of Revenue, was carried out under the provisions of the Punjab National Disasters Prevention and Relief Act of 1958.

The district administrations have been instructed to promptly accelerate rehabilitation and relief measures, assess the damages suffered by affected families, and complete the distribution of financial assistance at the earliest.

The Director General of PDMA stated that the Relief Commissioner Punjab has formed monitoring teams to oversee the entire operation.

He added that land revenue and irrigation dues will not be collected during the Kharif season this year.

Farmers who have endured agricultural losses will be eligible for relief options, including loan waivers or deferments. Relief camps will also be set up for displaced or affected families.

Meanwhile, PDMA in partnership with district administrations will initiate reconstruction and rehabilitation projects in the affected regions to restore essential infrastructure such as roads, drainage systems, educational institutions, healthcare centers, and residential structures.